De La Salle storm to 23 point lead
by David Bell, 21st June 2004

De La Salle have opened up a twenty three point gap at the top of Division One. They stormed their way to 203-1 declared (J.Hartley 108, S.White 81 no) at home to bottom club Baslow, who were subsequently dismissed for 107 (A.Elleker 51). Second placed Old Edwardians / Collegiate suffered a shock defeat at second bottom Ashford In The Water. John Carrington claimed 5-57 to see Old Eds back in the pavilion for 127. Julian Henson (42) guided Ashford home by two wickets (Pearson 4-38).

Just ten points separate the four chasing clubs below the front runners. Holmesfield forced their way up to third with 174-9 (David Ward 50, Nick Crapper 52 no) at home to fellow challengers, Stanton In Peak. Peter Wardley (4-30) saw that Stanton were bowled out for 124. Sheffield Works Department continued their climb up the table by bowling out Parkhead for 118 and claiming a two wicket win. Centralians are level on points with SWD despite going down to a twenty run defeat against Hathersage. Chris Verity returned 4-29 to bowl Hathersage out for 138 and Joe Woolway (6-38) bettered his performance to see Cents all out for 118. University Staff posted 149-7 at home to Hundall, who completed an eight wicket win from the penultimate ball thanks to skipper Neil Vaughan (68 no).

Calver continue to take on all-comers at the head of Division Two. They restricted third placed Grindleford to 140-7 and secured an eight wicket victory (Mark Burnett 69 no). Millhouses moved into second with a comprehensive win over Chesterfield Barbarians. The Barbs were skittled for the second week running, this time for just 64 (Adeel Sarwar 4-20) as Millhouses made it home with nine wickets to spare

Both Stocksbridge sides enjoyed a fruitful weekend. The first eleven bowled struggling Hathersage II out for 122 (Ben Furness 46, Chris Kelly 7-35) and gained a three wicket win (Dominic Sykes 5-47). The seconds turned over Bakewell for just 95 (Fearn 48, Hutton 5-55, Rolfe 4-33) and completed a three wicket win of their own. SWD II registered a substantial 203-5 (D.Franklin 104 no, J.Summerhill 51) at Parkhead II and completed a fifty run triumph (D.Sampson 6-26).

The most remarkable game of the day took place at Davy Sports, where visitors and Division Three leaders BT Pensions / AGD were dismissed for 96 (Alan Shawcroft 45, Joe Mohaman 6-9). Mark Hayes (5-31) saw home side Laycocks bowled out for exactly the same score as the game ended in a tie. De La Salle II reclaimed second place with 223-8 dec (M.Green 75, A.Gibson 6-47) at Old Edwardians / Collegiate II, who could only manage 126 (P.Lally 4-38, M.Green 4-25) in reply.

Centralians II suffered a setback in their promotion challenge despite posting 171 (Adam Green 52, Simon Turner 6-43) at Dronfield Woodhouse. Steve Vessey (45 no) continued his good run of form as Woodhouse ran out winners by four wickets. At the foot of the table, Calow made 127-9 (Pursehouse 6-66) against Hundall II, who replied with 131-6 (Wilson 41). In the other bottom of the table battle, Richland Wanderers compiled 185-5 (Mick Pashley 56, Steve Vickery 51) and bowled out University Staff II for 134 (Curtis 66).

Just twenty points separate the top five in Division Four. Millhouses II currently hold the upper hand despite slipping to defeat against Ridgeway. Millhouses made a competent 174-4 (Azhar 67, Hargreaves 53 no) which was passed by the visitors with two men to spare. Transport move into third, benefitting from a forfeited match by opponents Great Longstone. Coal Aston registered a ten wicket win against BT Pensions / AGD II, who had earlier been dismissed for just 34 (Andy Wood 4-4. Barry Eke 4-16).

Faisal Raja took 8-25 to bowl out Stocksbridge III for 119 but his efforts were in vain as Dronfield Sports succumbed for just 71. Chesterfield Barbarians II posted an imposing 232-4 declared (J.Wall 101 no, R.Wileman 69) at Baslow II. Wall capped a fine all round performance with 5-12 but couldn't force the win as Baslow held out at 123-8 (M.Booker 60 no).